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My guest today is Dr. Romie Mushtaq who is a board-certified physician who brings together more than two decades of leadership in neurology, integrative medicine, and mindfulness. She is the author of the recently published book, The Busy Brain Cure.

Dr. Romie offers a fresh approach to understanding stress, anxiety, and burnout from the perspective of a brain doctor. In our conversation, Dr. Romie and I talk about what she calls 'busy brain,' a condition stemming from unchecked stress and burnout, and how these can lead to burnout without us even realizing it. We dive deep into the symptoms of a busy brain and I reveal the score I got when I took Dr. Romie’s Busy Brain Test. We discuss what circumstances led to that score and she introduces me to the concept of Caregiver Burnout which was revelatory to me.

Dr. Romie knows the science of the busy brain but she also shows her deep empathy for anyone who may appear to have it all together but inside you are falling apart. She wants you to know that you are not alone and there is help. Dr. Romie provides your next steps to understanding your own chronic stresses to help you create a personalized path to healing.

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Here's What You'll Learn:

Dr. Romie's origin story and what led her to write her book
How modern society repackages meditation, mindfulness, healing as some 'new age cure' without addressing the real problem
The difference between acute and chronic stress
What is Hormetic stress
The Busy Brain Test
The differences between anxiety, depression and burnout
KEY TAKE AWAY: Only trained professionals can diagnose depression, anxiety, and burnout.
The top reasons for depression
What are the symptoms of a busy brain
How medications can lead to stimulant-sedative cycle
The root cause of burnout
How to practice non-attachment without detaching yourself from your goals

Useful Resources Mentioned:

The Busy Brain Test

Ep188: How Your Gut Health is the Key to Unlocking a Healthier & Happier You | with Dr. Edison de Mello

Ep152: Understanding the Difference Between Integrative & Traditional Medicine | with Dr. Edison de Mello

Ep95: On the Frontlines with COVID-19, How to Boost Your Immunity, & Testing Safely | with Dr. Edison de Mello

Continue to Listen & Learn

Ep254: The Ugly Truth About Burnout (Even When You’re Unemployed), and How to Build Immunity From It | with Dr. Kandi Wiens

Ep237: A New Approach to Relieving Stress & Anxiety (and Improving “Emotional” Health) | with Nick Wignall

Ep42: How to Reverse Depression, Anxiety, and ADD at the Genetic Level | with Dr. Ben Lynch

Ep226: The Benefits of Mindfulness & Therapy (and How to Know Which One You Need) | with Seth Gillihan

Ep26: The Power of a ‘Mindfulness’ Practice | with Dr. Swati Desai

Ep170: How to Avoid Burnout and Live a More ‘Effortless’ Life | with Greg McKeown

Severance Is Not Only the Dystopian Future of Workplace Burnout…In Many Ways We’re Already There

The difference between exhaustion and burnout (and my dirty little secret)

Ep64: [CASE STUDY] Overcoming Burnout and Imposter Syndrome | with Chryss Terry

Ep47: The Ugly Side of Depression, Burnout, and Imposter Syndrome | with Gen Malone

Ep03: The Science Behind Success and Creative Burnout (And Why You’re Approaching Both Mostly Wrong) | with Eric Barker

Ep82: Real Talk About Mental Health and Depression | with Michael Kammes

Ep01: Understanding the Link Between Creativity and Depression | with Dr. Edison de Mello

Guest Bio:

romie-mushtaq-bio Dr. Romie Mushtaq

Dr. Romie Mushtaq is a board-certified physician who brings together more than two decades of leadership in neurology, integrative medicine, and mindfulness. She is an award-winning speaker working with Fortune 500 companies, professional athletes, & global associations. Her brainSHIFT programs improve mental well-being and help to build a culture of wellness. Dr. Romie serves as Chief Wellness Officer for Evolution Hospitality, where she scaled a mindfulness & wellness program to over 7,000 employees. Her expertise is featured in the national media, such as NPR, NBC, TED talks, and Forbes. Her first book, The Busy Brain Cure is published by Harper Collins in January 2024.

Show Credits:

This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.

The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Ep255: Managing the Burnout, Anxiety, & Depression Created By Your "Busy Brain" | with Dr. Romie Mushtaq

The Zack Arnold Podcast